James W. Hodges

JAMES WILLIAM HODGES was born on March 6, 1932 in Humphries County. He was the third son of the late Nathaniel and Etta James Hodges of Belzoni, Mississippi. He attended and graduated from Ambrose High School in Lexington. After graduating from Ambrose High School, he matriculated to Jackson State University, in a quest for growth, knowledge, and a dream of a better life.While pursuing his Bachelor’s degree, he was drafted into the United States Army.After serving in the military, James relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana where he worked for General Motors in various capacities for over forty years.A man of great character, strength and honor James demonstrated unwavering love and support of his family. James was united in holy matrimony to Virginia Dodd on July 10, 1971. Both James and Virginia, shared their love and life -learned lessons with their son, McKinley Dodd. Often known and referred to as the “Patriarch” of the family, his authoritative nature, strong presence, and words of wisdom solidified his existence. Oftentimes, he would instill his nieces and nephews the value of a quality education, making good decisions and saving your money.

As an active member of the community, he volunteered with several organizations like the Salvation Army and various outreach programs. His sincere passion for helping people was to be admired. People in his presence often gleamed from his leadership abilities. He became a member of Eastern Star Baptist Church where he was delighted to serve as a church usher and was very active in other church ministries. A solider for the Lord, James Hodges was a spiritual man that accepted God’s calling with valor and grace. And like many things in his life, he was always willing, dedicated, and faithful in doing God’s work.

JAMES is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; one son, McKinley (Brenda) Dodd; three grandchildren: Terrance Kerr, Monique Kerr and Tasha Ratcliffe (Robert); six great-grandchildren; a beloved and dear sister, Lena Mae Flowers of Durant, Mississippi; Bertha Ann Hodges Moore of Carrollton, Mississippi and Barbara Helen (Earl) Winston Jackson of Canton, Mississippi. He has one aunt, LouAllie James of Chicago Heights, IL. In addition, he had a host of nieces and nephews. He played a special role in the lives of his nieces, Rena Pritchard (Durant, MS), Lynette Myles (Jackson, MS), Teri (Edsel) Burks (Collierville,TN), Kimberly Flowers (Chicago,IL) and his nephew, William Stevon Love (Houston,TX). As well as in the lives of his great- nieces, Lenna and Aundretta, and great nephew, Edsel, II.Family and friends may call on Friday, March 3, 2017, 9:30am - 11am, with the Homegoing Celebration commencing promptly at 11am at Eastern Star Church. The interment will immediately follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.